Elder David A. Bednar's "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises" discusses our need to remember the promises the Lord has given us. One way we can do this is through Temple and Sabbath day observance- the key being able to bring those feelings and experiences home.

How has this talk changed the way you view the Sabbath and Temple attendance?

Questions

What are some concerns of the world that are causing us to neglect the things that matter most?

What is the divine nature Elder Bednar is referring to?

How are keeping the Sabbath day and temple attendance the same work?

What must we do in our homes to make the Sabbath and temple worship most effective?

What things matter most to you?

Have you ever ran so fast that you forget why you were running at all? How do we avoid this type of mousetrap?

How does the Sabbath help you?

How does the Temple help you?

What signs are you giving to God on the Sabbath Day?

How do you bring home the Spirit and strength you gain from Church and Temple attendance?

Teaching Thoughts

From the Church, "To help members of your Relief Society or quorum discuss Elder Bednar’s message, you could put pictures on the board to represent the Sabbath, the temple, and our homes. Invite members to read the corresponding sections of Elder Bednar’s message and write on the board how the Sabbath day, the temple, and our homes help us focus on God’s promises to us. What things in our lives might pull our attention away from these promises? What steps can we take to make sure that we remember them?"

These are my ideas. My hope is that reading my thoughts will be a springboard to finding the right plans for your class. Remember you are leading a discussion, not teaching a lesson so you may only need one of these ideas.

Elder Bednar gives examples of what God has promised us if we are faithful to our covenants. Ask the class to give you examples of what Heavenly Father has promised us first then refer to Elder Bednar's examples for more.

Elder Bednar has a gif (video) on his Facebook page that ties the Temple, Sabbath, and Home together. It would be a great one to show to start a conversation about how they are related and how that changes the way we approach each one.

Have you ever been on auto pilot while driving or walking someone? You automatically go straight home but don't really remember how you got there and it may not have even been where you wanted to go?! This is running faster than we should and forgetting where we are even going. What can we do to snap out of this type of behavior?

Divide your class into about 7 groups to discuss one of the sections Elder Bednar divides his talk into (Our Divine Identity, Spiritual Rebirth, etc.). Give each group time to read their section outline and discuss a couple of questions each.

Discuss things we can do to increase our Sabbath observance so that it does become sacred time. You may want to see the helps included for the Sabbath Day lessons the 4th Sunday teachers are using. How does the Sabbath Day help us remember the "great and precious promises"?

How do we take these sacred experiences home with us so it strengthens our homes and families? How do we make it apart of us all week, not simply a few hours of the week?

Bring in a tapestry or a weaving to discuss Elder Bednar's point towards the end of the talk about the gospel not being a checklist but a "magnificent tapestry of truth." Discuss what this analogy might mean to your class.